Vodafone launches insurance cover for smartphones

NEW DELHI: Telecom operator Vodafone India has launched Vodafone Red Shield , a complete device security solution with complimentary insurance for smartphones that assures a protection cover of up to Rs. 50,000 (fifty thousand) on brand new handsets and those up to six months old.

"Currently available exclusively for Vodafone RED Post Paid customers, Vodafone Red Shield is the only device protection offering in the industry that offers theft cover, beyond basic handset damage cover and extends complimentary insurance cover to handsets that have been purchased up to six months earlier," a statement said.

The Vodafone Red Shield App, available at Google Store and iOS, offers a comprehensive security solution to smart phone devices. In addition to the theft cover, Vodafone Red Shield comes with malware protection and other security features.

"Vodafone Red Shield  is being brought to the customers through an association with Shot formats Digital Productions Pvt. Ltd. This insurance cover is provided through New India Assurance Company Ltd," it said.

"While actual premium amount will be borne by Vodafone, the subscription fee has been maintained at a pocket friendly price point so that maximum number of customers can avail the benefits of Vodafone Red Shield . The annual subscription of Rs 720 will be debited to the customer’s monthly bill through 12 equal installments (Rs. 60 x 12). Vodafone Red Shield  comes with a validity of one year. It is also important to note that Red Shield  is applicable to only Vodafone Red  customers and if they under any circumstances move out of the Red plan, they will automatically forfeit the Red Shield ’s benefits and insurance," it added.

Announcing the launch of Vodafone Red Shield , Alok Verma, Business Head, Delhi-NCR, Vodafone India, said To ensure the hard earned money spent by our customers on acquiring expensive handsets remains insured, we are delighted to launch Vodafone Red Shield , a first of its kind mobile security offering that builds in a unique combination of features like Theft protection, Accidental Physical & Liquid damage, Virus protection and many more security features. Our own customer research has revealed that most mobile phone buyers tend to either be unaware about handset insurance or don’t seem to have it as a priority/top of mind factor while purchasing a new smart phone. To bring larger numbers of our customers within the protective cover of Vodafone Red Shield , we have extended the facility to handsets upto 6 months old, at a very nominal price. I am happy to say Vodafone Red Shield  is also the only service that covers handset theft.”

"Another aspect which makes Vodafone Red Shield  unique is that customers can claim insurance cover up to two times in a single year," it said.